Another Look at Revelation — Lesson 1
May 17, 2009
“Another Look at Revelation”
Lesson 1: Introduction and Treatment of Language and Prophecy
Sunday and Wednesday Adult Bible Study Series
May 10 and 13, 2009
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator
Series Objective:
Revelation is a debated and challenging biblical book. Our objective in this series is to examine the book of Revelation from the perspectives of literary genre, symbolic language, and prophetic reality.
I. The Question of Genre
The book of Revelation is written in a form of literature called “apocalyptic.” It is important to consider the question of genre as we read of the book of Revelation.
II. Symbolic Language and Historical Materials
The Old Testament references a dragon. We’ll use this reference as we consider biblical examples of symbolic language. While literalism is appropriate most of the time, is it appropriate all the time?
· Consideration of the Psalms
· Consideration of Ezekiel
· A return to the Psalms
We see from these texts that one has to understand the symbolism in order to understand the event. The same truth applies when one approaches Revelation.
III. The Issue of Cosmic Imagery
Cosmic imagery is powerful language that is found in the Old Testament. How is this imagery perceived there?
· The imagery of Zephaniah
· The imagery of Amos
· The imagery of Joel
· The imagery of Isaiah
IV. The Issue of Prophecy
There are four commonly held views regarding the prophetic reality of Revelation.
· Symbolic or Idealist
· Preterist
· Historicist
· Futurist.
Again, there have been many positions assumed (and arguments offered) regarding the prophetic nature of the book of Revelation.
· The sentiment of 19th century America
· Revelation as sporadically applied through time
· Revelation as a past event
· Revelation as a conditional event
Conclusion:
Revelation is much easier to understand when we consider the book’s genre, symbolic language, and prophetic nature. With this thought in mind, we will begin Chapter 1 during our next meeting.
